The brewery: “We’ve been running pubs and brewing award-winning beer from our base in Bury St. Edmunds ever since the company was founded in 1799 by 19 year-old Benjamin Greene……Edward Greene grew the business in Bury St Edmunds significantly to the point where he merged operations with business rival Frederick King and Greene King began to become more recognisable as the brewery that we see today.”
The beer: “Very full bodied, rich and sweet with a higher bitterness to provide balance. Bursting with malty, biscuity and fruitcake character from the mixture of pale, amber and crystal malts. Masses of tropical fruits and floral fragrance from the hops in particular the fragrant, floral and spicy fuggles. Very complex,rich and warming.”
Another I’ve had before but omitted to add to the Archive. I’ve always liked Abbot Ale this was even better. However it is very much like Old Crafty Hen and given that they are both brewed at Bury St Edmunds it wouldn’t surprise me if it’s just a bit of re-badging going on. I tried them side by side and the both looked, smelt and tasted the same. Regardless, a nice drop. 6.5% A.B.V.